Simple columnar epithelium consist of a single layer of cells that are taller than they are wide. This type of epithelia lines the small intestine where it absorbs nutrients from the lumen of the intestine. Simple columnar epithelia are also located in the stomach where it secretes acid, digestive enzymes and mucous.Click to see full answer. Beside this, how do epithelial tissues receive nutrients?Epithelial layers contain no blood vessels, so they must receive nourishment via diffusion of substances from the underlying connective tissue, through the basement membrane. Cell junctions are well employed in epithelial tissues.Subsequently, question is, why does epithelial tissue regenerate quickly? Many epithelial tissues are capable of regeneration, that is, they are capable of rapidly replacing damaged and dead cells. Sloughing off of damaged or dead cells is a characteristic of surface epithelium and allows our airways and digestive tracts to rapidly replace damaged cells with new cells. Hereof, what are the 4 functions of epithelial tissue? They perform a variety of functions that include protection, secretion, absorption, excretion, filtration, diffusion, and sensory reception. The cells in epithelial tissue are tightly packed together with very little intercellular matrix.Which epithelial tissue provides the best protection? Stratified Epithelium This epithelium protects against physical and chemical wear and tear. The stratified epithelium is named by the shape of the most apical layer of cells, closest to the free space. Stratified squamous epithelium is the most common type of stratified epithelium in the human body.